5 Technological Advances in Elderly Care
Technology shapes our lives. Virtually every industry can benefit from using the latest tech developments, and that includes elderly care. Whether you’re a physician seeking new ways to care for your patients, or an innovator looking for inspiration, learning about the latest and greatest technological advances in elderly care empowers you to do your job more effectively.
1. GPS Devices
One of the biggest challenges faced by caretakers is preventing seniors from wandering and becoming lost. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia often lead to confusion and memory loss, which can result in elderly people leaving their residences unaccompanied by their caregivers.
Modern GPS devices are much smaller than the typical GPS units used in vehicles. They can be planted discreetly in strategic locations so seniors can be found if they wander. For example, there are GPS units that fit under the soles of shoes, or they can even be ironed into clothing. Seniors can even get lost in familiar places, and GPS units ensure that they’re found quickly.
2. Smartphone Applications
These days, there’s an app for everything. Caregivers and elders can use apps for a variety of purposes, including monitoring location, heart rate, and medication intake. Apps can also send important data to caretakers, physicians, and family members so they can stay apprised of the senior’s condition in real time.
One common concern is that modern smartphones may be too complicated for seniors, especially those with dementia and other cognitive limitations. Fortunately, there’s a solution. There are smartphones and tablets on the market that are made specifically with senior citizens in mind. They’re simplified devices with larger buttons and user-friendly features.
3. Fall and Wander Prevention
GPS units help you locate seniors when they wander, but wander and fall prevention devices can help you prevent problems before they occur. For example, you could put a wander-prevention sensor pad under a senior’s mattress. If the patient gets out of bed (or falls), the device sends a notification to the caretaker.
There are central monitoring units that can be used to notify caretakers of movement, and there are also wireless devices that caretakers can keep on their person while they make the rounds. This ensures that notifications are received immediately so fast action can be taken to rectify the issue.
4. Home Safety
There are many different devices that can help a senior citizen to stay safe living at home. Stove shutoff devices allow elderly people to cook meals at home worry-free. If the device detects that the stove has been on for too long, it shuts off the stove automatically.
Another useful home safety device is an automatic pill dispenser. If it’s not possible for a family member or caretaker to monitor a senior’s medication intake, an automatic dispenser prevents accidental overdoses and medication abuse. They only open at specific times throughout the day, and they can provide visual and/or audio notifications when it’s time to dose.
5. The Internet of (Medical) Things
The Internet of things (IoT) is one of the most exciting up-and-coming technologies. To put it simply, the Internet of things connects all sorts of devices to the internet, facilitating data sharing and comprehensive solutions.
For example, smart bulbs can be integrated with the internet, allowing you to do things like control your lights with your smartphone, or even play music through them.
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) uses that same concept, only for medical devices. These devices create a more connected ecosystem, allowing patients, caretakers, family members, payers, and providers to communicate and share data more effectively.
Equipment that’s connected to the internet can provide valuable real-time data about vital signs, dietary habits, exercise regimens, and other information that may not be immediately accessible otherwise.
Seek Relevant Solutions
With so many different types of technology available on the market today, finding and selecting the best options isn’t always easy. The best approach is to analyze any existing problems, and then seek out technology that solves them.
Beyond just looking for problems, you can also brainstorm processes that could be streamlined. There’s a good chance that the tech already exists to facilitate your goals. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground so you can be informed about the latest and greatest advancements in the medical arena. That’s the key to delivering exceptional work, no matter what field you’re in.
